Youth in Detroit and Flint Communities Enjoy Unexpected Surprises Thanks to the Gores Family
Charity Partners Include Toys for Tots, Voices for Children and The Salvation Army Downriver Corps
DETROIT (December 4, 2024) — Thanks to a generous contribution from Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, more than 10,000 toys, bicycles, scooters and headphones will be distributed to families in Detroit, Flint and surrounding neighborhoods this holiday season. U.S. Marines and volunteers of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program are hosting a special gift event for families and children in Detroit today while Voices for Children is coordinating a similar event in Flint next week on December 11. Mr. Gores is also supporting The Salvation Army Downriver Corps with an additional $25,000 donation.
Balance bikes with helmets will be gifted to all children under three. Children ages 4-7 will receive bicycles with training wheels and helmets. Youth ages 8-10 will receive scooters and Lego sets and those ages 11-13 will receive wireless headphones.
“The holiday season is a special time filled with hope and cheer,” said Gores. “No one deserves the wonder and excitement the holidays bring more than children, who light up with joy when they open something that makes them smile. Since beginning this initiative 18 years ago, the impact and reach of these distributions continues to grow thanks to the dedication of our amazing partners. We are grateful for their support.”
Gores and his wife Holly support a number of Detroit-area causes focused on improving the quality of life for families in need and contributing to the revitalization of the region and the state. They both grew up in the area and have supported holiday toy distributions across Michigan since 2006 and delivered over 165,000 gifts to families, according to a spokesperson for Mr. Gores.
The Gores family’s partnership with Toys for Tots began in 2009 and has delivered over 140,000 toys to more than 70,000 children. (Prior to aligning with Toys for Tots, Mr. Gores supported similar gift-giving programs through other organizations.) After supporting the programs as a “Secret Santa” for seven years, Mr. Gores agreed in 2013 to be identified in order to encourage others to join in with contributions of their own.
“Finding a present under the tree on Christmas morning is an experience every child deserves,” said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, Vice President of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Tom and Holly Gores have certainly done more than their fair share to help us bring that joy to children whose families have suffered so much. With their generous support, we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams ofmany thousands of economically disadvantaged children in the Detroit area, who otherwise might have been forgotten.”
Voices for Children CEO Claudnyse Holloman said the Gores’ generous contribution not only brings holiday cheer to communities in need, but also honors the incredible resilience and strength of the young survivors that Voice for Children serves.
“Voices for Children deeply appreciate Tom and Holly Gores for their compassionate and loving support and dedication to child survivors,” said Holloman. “The children served by the Voices for Children Advocacy Center often face overwhelming crises. Without this center, navigating the complex systems tied to abuse, human trafficking, and neglect would be an even greater challenge for these vulnerable survivors. Many of the children are navigating their journey of healing, a process that is often challenging and overwhelming. The moments of joy provided by Tom and Holly Gores offer a much-needed reprieve, bringing light and hope into their lives during difficult times. Their efforts will bring a sense of wonder and hope this season, rekindling the dreams of childhood and reminding us of all of the joy this time of year can bring. While the children may not remember specific gifts, the magical moments and the feeling of Christmas joy created by the Gores’ will stay with them forever.”
Shawn Sutter, Sr. – Lieutenant, Pastor, Administrator and Corps Officer for The Salvation Army Downriver Corps Community Center – said donations from the Gores family will bolster their current campaign and help reach additional families.
“The Salvation Army Downriver would like to thank Tom and Holly Gores for helping us provide gifts for over 800 Downriver families with children,” said Lt. Shawn. “We thank them for bringing the holiday spirit to the Downriver communities and showing our children the act of giving without expecting anything in return.”
About Tom Gores
Gores, a Flint native, is Owner of the Detroit Pistons and Chairman and CEO of global private equity firm Platinum Equity. He and his wife, Holly, a Detroit area native, have for many years supported a broad range of initiatives in Michigan focused on education, mentorship, health care, economic empowerment, public safety and improving the lives of people throughout the state. In 2016, Mr. Gores launched FlintNOW, a $10 million private sector campaign to support short- and long-term relief and revitalization initiatives in response to the Flint water crisis.
About Marine Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots, a 77-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to economically disadvantaged children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy or book. Providing toys, books, and other gifts to disadvantaged children offers recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Since 1947, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially, having delivered hope and the magic of Christmas to over 301 million children in need. Because the need isn’t just at Christmastime, the Marine Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dreams of millions of disadvantaged children beyond the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
About Voices For Children
Voices for Children Advocacy Center works to intervene the alarming number of children who are victims of abuse by educating, empowering, and enlightening the community, school-aged children, and parents about prevention factors. Voices for Children leads the community in responding to victims of child abuse violence and works to break the cycle of abuse via prevention, and intervention programming, as well as community education. Voices for Children is dedicated to building healthy relationships and provides a continuum of services for persons of all ages who have been, or are at risk of being, victims of child abuse or neglect. Our agency’s model is grounded in a strengths-based, empowerment philosophy and incorporates best practices and evidence-based strategies. Services are completely free to the family. Voices for Children Advocacy Center creates a vital link between community services and victims of child abuse.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The Salvation Army has been serving the Downriver communities for over 125 years. The Downriver Corps has a variety of programs that are aimed to feed the mind, body, and soul. These programs include Archery, Air Rifles, Music, Character Building, Golden Agers Ministry, Worship Services, and more. Feel free to stop by anytime to meet the Corps Officers and staff.
